ASKING FOR HELP

STEP 1: Contact Your Waiver Support Coordinator (WSC)

The primary job of your WSC is to work with you on getting the care you need. This means that you or your legal representative should inform the WSC when your situation changes (hospitalizations, new diagnoses or deteriorating condition, problems with providers, voluntary caregivers unable to help, etc.) If you need more services, ask. If there is no response from your WSC, ask in writing or contact the WSC’s supervisor at the agency they work for. You can also tell the APD Regional Office that you want to select a new WSC. If the situation isn’t resolved, see below.

STEP 2: Email the APD Ombudsman

This is a new service so I am unable to verify how helpful it may be. Nonetheless, there is a person designated as an Ombudsman, which generally means “a state official appointed to provide a check on government activity in the interests of the citizen.” Give it a try.

STEP 3: Contact the APD Regional Office

APD is responsible for making sure its enrollees receive the services they need for their health and welfare and for following federal Medicaid law and state authority. If deadlines are being overlooked, APD staff or providers are treating you poorly, or you feel that you are not getting correct information, the Regional Director should be alerted. This is particularly true if the situation is urgent.

STEP 4: Contact the State Legislator for your District

If you are having serious problems getting appropriate access, care, or treatment despite your best efforts, it is not unreasonable to contact the state legislators in your district, regardless of party affiliation. Legislators are usually interested in hearing from constituents and can often help cut through red tape. Most have little real experience with any of the Medicaid HCBS programs, so it is important for them to understand how these programs are, or are not, working.

STEP 5: Find an Advocate

If you cannot afford an attorney, there are advocacy and legal aid organizations that might be able to help if you qualify for services, including:

Disability Rights Florida

The Legal Aid Organization in your area

Florida Health Justice Project